What Parents Need To Know About Allergies in Children

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Typical Triggers and Allergens

Many environmental factors trigger allergic reactions in children. When a child with allergies inhales pollen or dust mites, their body may produce symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. These airborne allergens are typical, and they are difficult to avoid altogether. Other triggers include mold spores, which grow in damp areas, and pet dander.

Exposure to certain substances can cause skin-related allergic reactions. In some cases, children react to bee or wasp stings with localized swelling and redness. Parents may notice rashes or hives after their child comes into contact with specific soaps, detergents, or plants such as poison ivy, so monitoring the child’s environment can help identify potential triggers.

Quick-acting Medications

For sudden and severe allergic reactions, sometimes called anaphylaxis, epinephrine is the primary treatment. Doctors prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors for children with known severe allergies, and parents learn how to administer the medication in an emergency. Quick-acting inhalers, which deliver medicine directly to the lungs, are used to relieve asthma symptoms that allergies can trigger, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

At-home Breathing Treatments

Nebulizers are machines that turn liquid allergy medication into a fine mist, and a child breathes this mist in through a mask or mouthpiece. A doctor may prescribe a nebulizer for home use to manage persistent respiratory symptoms associated with allergies. They are particularly useful for young children who may have difficulty using an inhaler correctly. Some prescribed home breathing treatments may include:

Albuterol solutions
Budesonide inhalation suspension
Ipratropium bromide

Allergy-causing Foods

Certain foods are responsible for most food-related allergic reactions in children. When a child eats something they are allergic to, their immune system releases chemicals that cause symptoms, and these symptoms may range from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis. The most frequent food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts like walnuts and almonds, and milk. Identifying the specific food causing the reaction is a primary step in management.

Eggs, soy, and wheat are also triggers for food allergies in young children. While many children outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, and soy, peanut and tree nut allergies tend to be lifelong. Reactions appear within minutes or up to a couple of hours after ingestion. Cross-contamination, which occurs when a food allergen unintentionally enters another food, may cause unexpected allergic reactions..

Fish and shellfish allergies are additional food allergies that parents should be aware of. Shellfish allergies include reactions to shrimp and lobster, and these reactions are often severe. Reading food labels and asking questions at restaurants have become routine practices for families managing these allergies.

Treat Your Child for Allergies

Managing a child’s allergies involves a direct approach that begins with proper identification of triggers and a clear treatment plan. Working with a healthcare provider allows parents to get an accurate diagnosis and understand the specific steps needed to manage their child’s condition. If you suspect your child has allergies, consult a healthcare professional who can discuss testing and treatment options.